DHARMALA Holdings is stepping up expansion in the Far East by diversifying its investments in the financial and service sectors.
The Indonesian-controlled conglomerate is considering investing in or buying more firms in the Philippines and Thailand through subsidiaries there.
Dharmala Philippines Inc (DPI) will pay about US$35 million to buy a 30 per cent stake from a privately-owned bank, according to DPI chairman Ramon Sy.
He expects a contract will be signed next week, with internal restructuring completed by January next year.
'It's a profitable business. We'll gain a lot from bank loans and deposits,' said Mr Sy, who refused to name the bank.
DPI, which is reportedly ranked 11th on the Philippine stock market, expects to become a controlling shareholder of the bank by acquiring a further 15 per cent stake at a later date.